Facsimile-telegraph.



"No. 709,53. Patnted Sept. l6, I902.

- E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT.

FAGSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.) II 0 II M e l.)

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.No.'709,l58. Patented Sept. l6, I902.

E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT. FAGSIIMLE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.)

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No. '709,I58. Patented Sept. l6, I902.

E. E. KLEINSCHMIUT. FAGSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.)

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No. 709.!58. Patented Sept. l6, I902.

E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT.

FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.)

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No. 709,l58. Patented Sept. I6, 1902. E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT.

FAGSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.) v (No Model.) In Sheets$lieet 5.

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Patented Sept. I6, 1902. E. E. KLEINSGHMIDT.

FAGSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed New. 6, 1899.)

WITNESSES iNo. 709,!58. Patented Sept. [6, I902. E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT. FACSIIMLE TELEGRAPH. (Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.)

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' E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT. FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH. (Application filed Nov. 6, 1899) I0 Sheets-Sheet 9.

(No Model.)

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Nu. 709,|58. PatntedSepi. I6, I902.

E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT. FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1899.)

I0 Sheets-Shat ID.

(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDXVA'RD E. KLEINSGIIMIDT, OF NEWV YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO FRED- ERICK KLEINSCHMIDT, OF NEYV YORK, N. Y.

FACSIMILE-TELEGRAPH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 709,158, dated September 16, 1902.

Application filed November 6, 1899. Serial No. 735,938. (No model.)

To a 1117110777. it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD E. KLEIN- SCHMIDT, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Facsimile -Telegraphs, of which the following is a full and complete specification, such as will enable those skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to facsimile-telegraphs of that class which embody in the transmitting machine or apparatus a stylus which contacts With a metal-foil sheet on which the message or picture to be transmitted is written or drawn with an insulatingink, whereby the line-circuit is opened and closed and causes a corresponding actuation of a similar stylus in the receiving machine or apparatus, whereby the said latter stylus will mark or record a facsimile impression of ,the transmitted message or drawing.

The object of my invention is to produce an improved facsimile-telegraph which will be exceedingly simple in construction and mechanism, rapid and eitective in operation, and convenient and inexpensive in use, and in which facsimile writing or pictures can be very rapidly transmitted continuously and in any desired length or extent without occasion for stopping the operation of the apparatus for the application at frequent intervals of the matter to be transmitted.

The invention is fully disclosed in the fol-' lowing specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which the separate parts of myimprovement are designated by the same numerals of reference in each of the views, and in which Figure 1 is a general side elevation, partly in section and with parts of the inclosiug casing broken away, illustrating the transmitting machine or apparatus embodied in my invention. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of said transmitting mechanism, parts of the top of the casing being removed. Fig. 3 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken through the transmitting mechanism on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the transmitting-machine, taken on the line t t of Fig. 2. Fig.

5 is a detail sectional view illustrating the spring and air-cushion resistance device for the armature of the unison-magnet. Fig. 6 is a top or plan view of the generator or motor mechanism, the view being taken on the plane of the line (3 6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a detail sectional View on a vertical plane through the feed mechanism for carrying the metal foil-paper. Fig. 8 is adetail vertical sectional View taken through one of the transmittingstyluses. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the top portion of the receiving machine or mechanism as comprised in my invention, illustrating the receiving or recording stylus devices and the adjacent parts, part of the casing or framework being broken away. Fig. 10 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the top portion of the receiving mechanism, taken on the line 10 10 of Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a top or plan view of the receiving mechanism, part of the top portion of the inclosing casing being broken away. Fig. 12 is a detail vertical sectional view illustrating the paper and carbon ribbon carriage mechanism of the receiving mechanism. Fig. 13 isa detail plan view of one of the recording-stylus devices removed from the stylus-carrier. Fig. 14 is a detail edge view of one of said recording-stylus devices. Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the general relative arrangement of the transmitting and recording mechanisms and of the circuit connections relating to and between the same, a two-wire line-cir cuit being shown; and Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic plan view corresponding to that shown in Fig. 15 and illustrating a single-wire linecircuit.

Referring to the drawings, 11 designates the casing of the transmitting or sending machine, said casing being of any suitable or convenient construction and being carried upon a framework 12, which may likewise be of convenient or adapted construction. I will now proceed to particularly describe said transmitting-machine as comprised in my invention.

At the front and top of the transmittingmachine is provided a horizontaltable or platen 13, over which the metal-foil paper, as represented at 14, upon which the message or picture is written or drawn in insulating-ink is adapted to travel in a continuous movement. A plurality of styluses 15 are carried upon a revolving plate 16, said styluses being arranged in a circular series, so that their points describe an are over the surface of the metal-foil paper and contact with the same.

The carriage mechanism for effecting the continuous feed of the metal-foil paper comprises a suitable framework 17, embodying side plates or pieces 18, between which is carried the table or platen 13, said frame work being secured to the main frame or casing of the machine, but being entirely insulated therefrom, as at 19. The table 1 has a transverse slot 20, immediately above and beneath which are mounted transverse rollers 21 and 22, respectively, having their hearings in the sides 18 of the frame 17. The upper one of these rollers 21 preferably has a vertical elongated hearing, as at 23, Fig. 7, whereby automatic adjustment of the space between said rollers is permitted. Above and in rear of the roller 21 are provided idlers or rollers, as at 24: 24, journaled in the sides 18, and in rear of the table 13 is provided a roller 25, beneath which is a roller 26, said roller 25 being journaled in the sides 18 and the roller 26 being carried upon a shaft 27, having at one end a bevelgear 28. Immediately in front of the roller 25 and at the rear end of the table 13 is provided a transverse roller 29, journaled in the sides 18 and carrying a gear 30, meshing with a gear 31, Fig. 2, upon the shaft of the roller 26. At opposite sides of the papercarriage mechanism are provided elastic or friction bands 32, which form endless belts passing over the idler 24 downwardly to and around the roller 25 at the rear thereof, downwardly under the roller 26, upwardly between the rollers 26 and 29 and in rear of the latter, thence forwardly over the table 13, and upwardly and around the front of the roller 21, and thence rearwardly and upwardly to the idler 24. These elastic bands or belts 32 travel in a continuous movement, in which the portion restingimmediately over the table 13 moves rearwardly, and in this connection it will be understood that the movement of the elastic band or belt tends to draw the main top feed-roller 21 downwardly in its elongated hearing with relation to the bottom main feed-roller 22, so that proper frictional conditions exist between said rollers. The elastic bands or belts 3:2 also serve to carry the metal foil-paper 14 rearwardly in a continuous uniform movement upon and over the table 13, said table being arranged between the sides 18 of the carriageframe 17 and passing between the main feedrollers 21 and 22, under the bands 32, around the rear roller 29, and between the same and the band, it being understood that the relative construction and arrangement is such that the free front end of the paper 14 will be fed in a return movement forwardly from the roller 29, under the table 13, and out again at the front end of the frame 17. The hands 32 clamp or bind the paper with a sufficient tension to maintain it properly upon the table 13 and at the same time feed it uniformly with relation to the action of the styluses. The bands 32 derive their motion from the bandroller 26, and the gear connection 30 and 31 between the rollers 26 and 29 gives a positive action to said roller 29 to aid in maintaining the positive feed of the metal foil-paper which is carried between said roller 29 and the band 32.

33 designates a brush which extends transversely across and above the paper-feed table l3 and forms the contact with the metalfoil top surface of the paper 14. This brush preferably consists of a flat metallic springplate having its lower edge provided with a series of parallel slits, as at 34, extending in a transverse plane with respect to the length of the brush-plate and operating to enhance the flexible bearing action of the same upon the foil-paper. The lower edge of the brush is preferably curved or turned upwardly, as at 35, so that it presents a smooth contactsurface to the paper, and the brush is carried upon a transverse rod 36, which passes at its ends through the sides 18 of the papercarriage frame 17 and is provided upon its projecting ends with thumb-nuts 37, adapted to be tightened against the outer faces of the sides 18 to maintain the brush securely in the position in which it is adjusted in the regulation of its contact with or pressure upon the foil-paper. In this connection it will be understood that the brush is fixed upon the rod 36 and that when said rod is turned the adjustment of the lower edge of the brush with relation to the paper is effected, it being simply necessary for purposes of adjustment and securing of the carrying-rod 36 to operate the thumb nuts 37. The brush normally projects in an inclined position in the direction of the line of travel of the foilpaper.

As above stated, the entire carriage-feed frame and mechanism is properly insulated from the main frame 11 and 12, and said frame and mechanism is comprised in the line or writing circuit, connection being made with one pole of the writing or line circuit by means of a wire in contact with any suitable portion of the paper-carriage framefor instance, as indicated at 38 in Fig. 2. It will be clearly understood, however, that, if desired, only the contact-brush 33 need be comprised in the writing or line circuit, connection being made in anysuitable manner with said brush and the brush being insulated from the paper-feed frame, in which case it would of course be unnecessary to insulate said frame and paper-feed mechanism from the main parts of the machine; but I prefer for purposes of more positive and absolute contact to have the whole paper-feed-frame mechanism comprised in circuit. The connection with the other pole of the writing or line circuit exists through the styluses when they are in contact with the metal-foil top surface of the paper 14, the circuit being completed by the contact of the brush 33 with said surface.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the metal-foil paper upon which writing or drawings or any'desired markings have been made with insulating-ink can be fed in a continuous movement through the paper-feed mechanism and under the styluses, which latter are carried upon a revol uble plate and describe in a continuous successive movement a contact-arc with the foil-surface of the paper as the paper travels under the styluses, whereby the operation of the machine will be continuous with respect to any desired length of paper-for instance, a roll may be usedand no stoppage of the machine at frequent intervals is necessary.

The paper-feed mechanism is actuated by engagement of its bevel-gear 28 upon the shaft 27 of the main rear feed-roller 26 with a pinion 39 upon a shaft 40, extending vertically or at right angles to the roller-shaft 27 and having suitable hearings in the general framework 12 of the machine. Said shaft 40 is provided at its lower portion with a connection with a supplementary shaft 41, operating in suitable bearings in the framework 12 and carrying a gear 42, meshing with a gear 43, fixed upon a vertical revoluble shaft 44, which is centrally arranged in the machine and carries the stylus-plate 16. Said gears 42 and 43 are of relative sizes adapted to impart to the paper-feed mechanism a proper relative speed or movement with respect to the revolution of the shaft 44 and the stylus-plate 16, the gear 43 being preferably of considerably smaller diameter than the gear 42. The connection between the shafts 40 and 41 is preferably adjustable or variable, so that the speed of the paper-feed mechanism may be varied and regulated as desired with respect to the speed of revolution of the shaft carrying the stylus-plate and styluses. This connection maybe effected by means of any suitable or adapted mechanism; butIhave herein shown one form of mechanism foraccomplishing it. The illustrated mechanism comprises two sprocketgears 45 and 46, respectively fixed on the shaft 40 and individually connected by chains 47 with sprocket-gears 4b and 49,respectively, of different diameters, upon the shaft 41. The sprocket-gears 48 and 49 are loose upon the shaft 41, but may be tightened thereon by means of set-screws 50, passing through their hubs. Thus when the gear 48 or 49 is not tightened up upon the shaft 41 it will simply revolve thereon and will not operate to actuate the shaft 40; but when one or the other of said gears 48 and 49 is tightened up upon its shaft it will cause the shaft 40 to revolve. The lower sprocket 40 maybe sustained by a set-collar 51, placed beneath it introduction of the latterbetween the main front feed-rollers 21 and 22 and beneath the bands 32, independent of any revolution of the main operating-shaft 44. This independent action is preferably accomplished by means of the mechanism illustrated in the ac companying drawings, in which the shaft 40 is divided into an upper and lower section having a pawl-and-ratchet coupling. In this construction the upper section 52 of the shaft 40 carries at its lower end a ratchet-disk 53, which is engaged by a spring-actuated pawl 54, carried upon a top plate or disk 55 on the lower section 56 of the shaft 40. The top end of the lower section 56, as shown at 57, Fig. 7, preferably enters a corresponding recess 58 in the upper section 52 of the shaft, whereby a convenient and effective joint between said sections of the shaft is formed. The sprocket-gear mechanism between the shaft 40 and the shaft 41, which latter derives its revolution from the main operating-shaft44, is upon the lower shaft-section 56, so that when said lower shaft-section is revolved its pawl 54 will engage with the ratchet 53 upon the upper shaft-section 52 and cause the latter to correspondingly revolve and operate the foil-paper-feed mechanism; but when the lower shaft-section 56 is not revolving (by reason of the stationary condition of the main operating and stylus-carrying shaft 44 and the consequent stationary position of the connecting-shaft 41) there will of course be no revolution of the upper shaft-section 52; but said upper shaft-section is free to turn by independent power to cause the actuation of the foil-paper-feed mechanism, in which turning movement the ratchet 53 will simply slide past the pawl 54. This independent turning of the upper shaft-section 52 to operate the paper-feed mechanism, as hereinbefore mentioned, can be conveniently effected by hand by means of a knob or head 59, provided at the top end of said shaft-section 52 and preferably projecting at the top of the casing of the machine, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the foil-paper is fed continuously and relatively to the movement of the styluses whenever the styluses are describing their movement over and in contact with said paper, but that when the styluses are at rest the foil-paper can still be fed to effect its adjustment as desired.

The main central operating-shaft 44 carries at its top end the plate 16, which carries the styluses 15, said plate being in the form of a disk, as herein shown, or a suitable framework, as preferred. The plate 16 carries a set of styluscs projecting from its under side and arranged in a circular series. I prefer to employeight styluses, as herein illustrated, though any suitable or desired number representing corresponding multiples may be employed. The sending-styluses 15 respectively embody a base portion or body 60, which forms the top portion of the stylus member and may be constructed of vulcanized rubber or other suitable non-conducting or insulating material. The top surface 6l of the base member 60 is preferably in the form of a circular disk and flat. The member 60 is provided centrally and in its under side with a cylindrical recess 62, accommodating the head 63 of a securing and set screw 64, which projects upwardly through the plate 16 and is adapted to be turned to adjust the stylus device in a vertical plane, and thus control its pressure upon or contact with the top foil surface of the paper 14, it being understood at this point that the table 13 virtually forms a platen upon which the foil-paper rests when it receives the pressure or contact of the stylus-point. The stylus device 15 is thus connected with its carrying-plate 16 by the main central screw 64, which latter has the further office of an adjusting means. The recess 62 is interiorly threaded, as at 65, and this threaded bore receives the top exteriorly-threaded end 66 of a tube or cylinder 67, carrying the stylus-point proper. The cylinder 67 may be vertically adjusted by means of this screw connection to effect the main or initial vertical adjustment of the stylus device with relation to the table or platen, and it is securely retained in position by means of a jam-nut or disk 68, operating upon its exterior threads 66 and bearing tightly againstthe bottom side of the top basepiece 60. Another jam or look nut or disk 69 is mounted upon the exterior threads 66 of the cylinder 67, below the nut 68, and serves to lock or tighten the latter in position, and the wire, as represented at 70, connecting the stylus with one pole of the writing or line circuit preferably has its end secured in connection with the stylus device by simply binding the same between the nuts 68 and 69. It will be understood that the whole stylus device below the non-conducting or insulating base 60 is in circuit, by reason of the wire connection .70, when the stylus-pointis in contact with the foil-paper. The cylinder 67 is provided with a closed inner or top end 71, having an opening 72, and its outer or bottom end is closed by a thumb-nut 73, engaging interior threads 74 in the cylinder. The stylus proper consists of a rod 75, which is adapted to have a vertical sliding movement within and through the top opening 72 and an opening 76 in the bottom nut 73, it being firmly guided in said openings. This rod carries a cross shoulder or stop 77 at its bottom portion within the cylinder 67, between which shoulder or projection and the top 71 of the cylinder is intel-posed a coiled spring 7 S, surrounding the rod and controlling its vertical yielding movement.

It will be understood from the structure just above described that the stylus proper, 75, and its spring 78 are detachable from the cylinder 67, that said cylinder is detachable from its carrying-base 60, and that the whole stylus device is detachable from the carryingplate 16, all of which can be conveniently and quickly effected whenever desired for purposes of substitution or repair. It is also evident that convenient and material adjustment or variation in the vertical position of the stylus can be efiected.

The projecting lower or bottom end of the stylus-rod carries the contact-point 79, which passes or slides over the top foil surface of the paper 14, this contact-point being preferably rounded,as shown. I prefer to construct the stylus of non-corrosive metal and to form the tip or contact-point 79 of a very hard substancesuch as,for instance, iridium. To enable adjustment of the stylus in a horizontal or lateral plane to effect the precise and proper contact of its point 79 as desired, I provide set-screws 80, which are arranged in a circular series with relation to the top disk surface 61 of the stylus-base 60 and operate in the plate 16, from which latter they project downwardly with their lower ends in contact with said top surface 61 of the stylus-body 60 near the outer edge or periphery thereof. These screws thus form a brace, by reason of their relative arrangement with respect to the stylus device operating, with respectto or in conjunction with the central securing and adjusting-screw 64, to maintain the stylus device in rigid or perfect adjustment; but by operating said screws 80 the adjustment of the stylus device in a horizontal or lateral plane may be conveniently efiected, as will be well understood, there being sufficient yielding or play of the stylus-base 60 around the central screw 64 to permit of the slight adjustment necessary through the operation just stated. The relative construction and arrangement are such that two styluses will be simultaneously in contact with the foil-paper in the operation of the machine.

The connection of the stylus-plate 16 with the shaft 44 is preferably such that said plate may be adjusted in a vertical plane upon said shaft and carry the Whole set of styluses in such vertical adjustment for the purpose of lifting the styluses above the plane of contact with the foil-paper, so that the latter can be inserted or removed without contact with the styluses or for other purposes when and as desired. It is desirable to provide for the convenient and rapid operation of this vertical adjustment by which the stylus-plate is moved to bringthe stylus-pointdown to orupfrom the plane of their normal contact with the foilpaper, and for this purpose I preferably employ the structure herein illustrated, in which the shaft 44 is provided at its top end with alatorally-extending l1 ub 81, upon which the plate IIS 16 rests. The plate 16 is further provided with a down wardly-proj ecting annular flange 82, surrounding a central opening 83, which flange embraces and is adapted to slideupon the extreme top end of the shaft 44. On top the plate 16 and surrounding the opening 83 is secured an annular plate or ring 84, provided at its inner edge with an inwardly-projecting flange 85. The hub 81 carries upwardly-projecting pins or studs 86, occupying diametrically opposite positions with respect to the shaft 44 and extending through corresponding openings 87 in the plate 16 and its ring 84. These pins thus serve to loci; the plate 16 in connection with the shaft 4A, so that it will be carried in the rotary movement of said shaft; but they will at the same time, while they always maintain this locking connection,permit vertical movement or adjustment of the plate 16 with respect to the shaft. This vertical movement is effected by a thumb-screw or revoluble cap-piece 88, having an enlarged base 89, provided with a circular annular groove 90, corresponding to the flange 85 upon the ring or plate 84 and receiving the same, so that the member 88 turns upon said flange 85 and in its vertical movement carries the plate 16 by reason of its engagement with said flange. From the under side of the base 89 of the thumb-screw 88 projects a threaded stem 91, which engages interior threads 92, provided in the open top end or bore of the shaft 44:. By reason of the construction and arrangement just described it will be understood that by merely turning the cap-piece 88 the whole stylus mechanism can be instantly raised or lowered, a very slight turning movement being all that is necessary to effect the requisite degree of adjustment.

The main central shaft 4% is tubular or hollow or provided with a continuous longitudinal bore, as at 93, which enables a light construction and also provides for the simple and convenient carriage of the line-wires of the styluses to their point of connection with the commutator rings and brushes. In this connection I may mention that all features of construction and parts of the apparatus are designed to be of light weight and to be of simple construction and operation to facilitate the high speed or rapidity and continuous movement desirable in the operation of the apparatus For instance, the stylus carrying plate 16 is preferably constructed of aluminium and may be of web form. The wires 70, which individually extend from the transmitting styluses 15 and connect the same with the Writing line-circuit, are carried inwardly to and through-lat eral openings 9+ in the walls of the shaft 44 at a point beneath the top hub 81, which openings intersect the central bore or opening 93 of the shaft, there being sufficient slack left in the wires to enable the vertical adjustment of the stylus mechanism" hereinbeforc referred to. From the openings 9+1 the wires (which are of course insulated between their point of contact with the respective styluscs and throughout their passage or contact with relation to the shaft 40) extend downwardly through the bore 93 of the shaft ll and project from the lower end of the latter, from which point they are carried, as at 95, to commutator devices, which will be hereinafter described and which are mounted and secured upon the lower end of the shaft H.

The main shaft 44: is preferably sustained by and operates upon ball-bearings, a convenient arrangement of said hearings being illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the illustrated construction the top portion of the shaft is provided with a lateral circumferential flange 96, having a beveled under edge 97, which bears upon a set of balls 98, traveling against a shoulder or groove 99 in the top of a bearing-plate 100, which is sustained upon a part of the main frame 12 and through which passes the shaft 4 1. At the lower portion of the main frame 12 is carried a bearing plate or block 101, having a central opening 102, through which the lower portion of the shaft H passes, this opening being also of sufficient diameter to permit the passage of a set-nut and spring involved in a frictional connection mechanism by which the main shaft is revolved and which will be hereinafter described. In the underside of the bearingplate 101 is provided a shoulder or groove 103, against which bears a set of balls 104:, which also have their lower portions bearing against a beveled edge 105 upon a collar 106, mounted upon the lower portion of the shaft 44. Thiscollarispreferablylongitudinallyadjustable upon the shaft by means of'a threaded connection with an eXteriorly-threaded lower end portion, as at 107, upon the shaft, by means of which adjustability the bearingcollar 106 can be operated to tighten or loosen both the lower and upper set of ball-bearings, as will be readily understood. A jam-nut 108 is preferably provided upon the threaded portion 107 of the shaft 44 and tightens against the bottom of the bearing-collar 106 to secure the latter in position. The shaft 44 is operated bya frictional connection with its motor source, so that when said shaft is locked against revolution (by means of certain automatic and electrically-actuated mechanism, which will be hereinafterdescribed and which forms an important feature of my invention) the motor source or power through which said shaft is normally revolved can continue in its movement. It is thus not necessary to stop the main operation of the power mechanism to cause a stoppage or cessation of the movement of the stylus mechanism and of the foilpaper-fced mechanism, both of said latter mechanisms which are concerned in the elec trical facsimile transmission being capable of independent stoppage and starting without relation to the motor source by which the main shaft 44 is revolved. The frictional connection just above mentioned is preferably effected by means of the structure shown in the accompanying drawings, which is intermediately arranged between the upper and lower ball-bearings of the main shaft and comprises an upper friction-disk 109, secured to the shaft 44 and circumferentially projecting therefrom. This friction-disk carries a fricfional bottom surface 110, formed of felt or other suitable or adapted material. A similar under or bottom friction-disk 111 is provided, which, while it is locked against rotary movement upon the shaft 44, is designed to have a spring-actuated sliding movement, and it is similarly provided with a top friction-surface 112. The under friction-disk 111 is secured against turning movement upon the shaft 44 by means of a pin or stud 113, projecting laterally from the shaft and received in a corresponding groove 114 in the disk or plate 111, said groove extending on the longitudinal plane of the shaft, whereby the pin will operate to guide the disk in its sliding movement or adjustment and at the same time retain the same in its relative connection with the shaft. Upon the shaft 44, beneath the disk or plate 111, is mounted a coiled spring 115, the upper end of which bears against the disk, while its lowerend bears against an adjustable nut 116, which operates upon the lower threaded portion 107 of the shaft. By adjusting this nut the tension of the spring can be regulated as desired, and it will be understood that the action of the spring is to cause the slidable under disk or plate 111 to operate as a clamp in connection with the fixed upper disk 109. The lower threaded portion 107 of the shaft 44 is of sufficient extent and is designed to carry the nut 116 and the bearing-collar 106 in their full limit of longitudinal adjustment, and the lower end portion of the shaft beneath its threaded portion 107 is preferably of a sufficiently-reduced diameter to enable the placing of the threaded members 106 and 116 upon the shaft and into engagement with the threaded portion thereof, and, as above mentioned,-the opening 102 in the bearingplate 101 is of sufficient diameter to also onable the passage of the nut 116 and the spring 115 into their proper positions.

It will be noted that the construction and arrangement above set forth provides for the convenient attachment and detachment of the various parts constituting the mechanism for any desired purpose.

117 designates a main operating-gear, by which the shaft 44 is adapted to be revolved. This gear is loosely mounted upon the shaft between the friction disks or plates 111 and 109, and it is adapted and designed to be firmly clamped between said plates, so that by frictional contact of its faces with the respective friction -faces 110 and 112 of said clamping-plates it will be connected up with the shaft and will operate to revolve the same. However, when the shaft is firmly locked I the same. The gear 117 meshes with a pinion 118 upon a shaft 110, having its hearings in the main framework 12 of the machine and carrying a gear 120, meshing with a pin ion 121 upon the main shaft 122 of an electrical motor orgenerator 123, which may be of suitable or adapted construction and is conveniently arranged with relation to the transmitting-machine forming the subject-matter of the foregoing description. This motor or generator 123 will in its characteristics and features be hereinafter more fully described. If it is running simply as a generator, a suitable source of power will be connected to its main shaft 122, as indicated by the belt connection at 124in Fig. 1; but if it is running as a motor it will be operated in the usual manner by an electric current, and the independent motor-power connection, as at 124, will be dispensed with. The use of the generator or motor 123 as a motor or as a generator or alternately as both a motor and a generator will be hereinafter referred to.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the only parts of the general mechanism or machine which are comprised in an electric circuit are the foil-paper-carriage mechanism (the brush of which mechanism is the only part which need essentially be in circuit) and the stylus devices. To complete the insulation of the papercarriage mechanism from the general framework of the machine, the shaft 27 of the roller 26, which carries the gear 28, meshing with the gearing 39 upon the shaft 40, is insulated, as represented at 125 in Fig. 2, at a point between the gear 28 and the main portion of said shaft 27.

I provide for automatic stoppage of the revolution of the main shaft 44 by electrical action with relation to the general operation of the machine in its transmitting function by means of the mechanism which I will now proceed to describe. The electrical connection and adjustment of such mechanism with relation to the writing or line circuit is such that while the styluses are passing over the foil surface of the paper which carries an insulating-ink the electrically-actuated shaftstopping mechanism will not operate to stop the shaft 44; but when the styluses reach a part of the foil surface of the paper which contains no insulating-ink and travel of the styluses upon such non-insulated surface of the foil-paper is maintained for any material distance then the main-shaft-stopping mechanism will automatically operate. The function and operation of this stop mechanism is important in my invention, inasmuch as its main purpose is to automatically insure the corresponding and uniformly instantaneous stoppage and starting of both the transmiting and recording machines at the respective ends of the line, it being thus an important element in the perfect synchronizing of the machines and apparatus, which is so essential against revolnble movement said gear 117 infacsimile-telegraphsofthischaracter. This is especially important with relation to the will turn upon the shaft and cannot actuate IIO starting of the machines, it being particularly necessary that the machines shall both start at the same instant and with perfect synchronism and be thereafter main tained in step during the operation of the apparatus. The automatic stopping mechanism comprises a unison-magnet 126, preferably mounted upon' the main framework 12 and having its armature 127 fulcrumed upon the framework, as at 128, so that it forms a lever, it being movably retained or held in connection with the magnet-frame in any suitable manner, as at 129. This armature carries at its outer end portion an arm 130, which is pivotally mounted at its inner end upon the armature, as at 131, so that it can move or swing in a plane at right angles to the swinging or pivotal movementof thearntature. 'lherelativeconstruction and arrangement of the armature mechanism with respect to the main vertical shaft it is such that the armature swings in a horizontal plane with respect to said shaft, while the pivoted arm or extension 130 swings in a vertical plane with respect to the shaft. The arm 130 in its normal position rests upon a pin 130 upon the armature 127, and the arm tends toward its normal position in virtue of its weight. The outer end 132 of the pivoted arm 130 is adapted to form a stop by contact with the devices hereinafter described, and from said outer stop end there projects downwardly and inwardly a finger 133, which is preferably beveled and is adapted to engage a worm device carried upon the shaft 45, which worm device will be hereinafter fully described. The armature 127 is retained in withdrawn position with respect to the unisonmagnet by means of a coiled spring 134, which is preferably adjustable. The adjustment of this spring'may be effected conveniently by having its outer end connected to a thread 135, which will wind upon a turn post or shaft136,carryingan operatingdisk or thumbpiece 137 and having its end clamped between spring-jaws 138, formed by bifurcating, as at 139, the end of a plate or arm 140, projecting from and secured to the main framework 12. The free end of the armature 127 beyond its fulcrum 128 is acted upon by an air and spring cushion device, against the force of which the armature acts when it withdraws from the magnet 126 and which accelerates the movement of the armature when it is attracted by the magnet. This spring and air cushion device preferably consists of a cylinder latl, suitably mounted upon the main framework 12 and carrying a plunger 142, which fits neatly within the open front end 113 of the cylinder and bears against the free end of the armature 127, the point of contact between the piston and armature being preferably effected by means of a rounded head or knob,.as at 144, which may be carried by a screw engaging the armature. \Vithin the cylinder at its rear end or base is mounted a movable plate or disk 145, having a central opening 1416, between which plate and the inner portion of the piston or plunger 142 is arranged a coiled spring 147. Opening from the main chamber of the cylinder at the rear end is a supplementary chamber 148, into which the opening 146 of the plate 1 15 leads, and the rear or outer wall 149 of this supplementary chamber 118 is provided with an air opening or vent 150. \Vithin the rear end or base of the supplementary chamber 118 is mounted an elastic washer 151, which has a sharp and effective valve seat against an annular rib or projection 152, extending inwardly from the wall 149. Said elastic washer preferably carries a metallic plate 153 at its inner face, between which plate and the opposite face of the main plate is interposed within the supplementary chamber 1&8 a light coiled spring 154. The device and mechanism asherein just described and which is particularly illustrated in Fig. 5 constitutes an air and spring cushion resistance for the armature of the unison-magnet, and while I prefer to employ the construction as shown it will be understood that any other suitable or adapted resistance device may be used.

Upon the main shaft 414 is secured a worm disk or collar 155, which is beveled, as at 156, to correspond to the bevel of the finger 133 of the arm 130, the relative construction being such that when said finger is in engagement with the worm it will travel upwardly thereon, and at a slight distance above the worm 155 the said shaft is also provided with a circumferential ring or flange 157, having an eccentric periphery 158, terminating in an abrupt shoulder or stop 159, the relative distance between the flange 157 and the worm 155 being such that when the finger 133 arrives at the top of the worm the stop end 132 of the arm 130 is on the plane of the periphery of the disk 157 and its shoulder 159. It will be understood that the worm and engaging stop mechanism are arranged upon the shaft 4 at a point above its frictional connection with the source of power or between such frictional power connection and the stylus mechanism, this being the preferred arrangement. Theunison-magnetisconnected by the usual wires, as shown at 160 and 161 in Fig. 4, in an individual circuit, which is operated by a unison-relay, (represented at 162 in Fig. 1,) as will be hereinafter described, said unison-relay being in connection with the main-line circuit.

The commutator-rings carried by the main shaft 44 (preferably at its lower end) for the connection of the wires of the stylnses 15 with the writing or line circuit consist of two independent sets, as at 163 and 164, each set consisting of separate segments 165. The segments of each set have contact with a brush from which extends a wire connection, said brushes and wire connection being rcspectively shown at 166 and 167 and 168 and 169 in Fig. 1. The wires 168 and 169, respectively, lead to brushes 170 and 171, which are comprised in what I dcnominate a selecting-commutator 172, having two sets of commutator-segments, as at 173 and 174, respec tively, arranged with relation to the brushes 170 and 171, this selecting-commutator being preferably arranged upon the shaft 122 of the generator or motor 123, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. Comprised in the selecting-commutator is another brush, as shown at 175, which does not contact with the commutator-segments 173 or 174, but contacts with an intermediate or middle ring or continuous part of the commutator which is in connection with the segments 173 and 174. The generator-commutator is shown at 176 mounted on the shaft 122 and comprising two continuous commutatorrings 177 and 178, re-

' spectively, in contact with which are brushes 179 and 180, respectively. For convenience and simplicity in construction the middle ring or continuous portion of the commutator and the segments 173 and 174 may be made integral, as shown.

I have herein illustrated aset of eight transmitting-styluses, and my description of the connections and related parts will be hereinafter made with reference to this number of styluses; but it will be understood that any suitable or desired number of styluses may be employed, the specific preferred arrangement being such that two or more styluses are simultaneously in contact with the foil surface of the paper 14 forpurposes of greater speed and more perfect or effective operation. It will be apparent, however, that in its mechanical structure the machine is perfectly adapted with suitable manifest variation for facsimile telegraphic transmission if only a single stylus were used. The commutatorsegments 165 of the respective sets 163 and 164 upon the shaft 44 are four in number, and the wires 70 from the respective styluses 15 are connected, respectively, to the eight commutator-segments 165, which are arranged, as before described, in separate sets of four each. The styluses are connected thus in alternationthat is to say, the wire 70 from one stylus will be connected to a commutatorv segment 165, comprised in the set 163, while the next adjoining or following stylus will have its wire connected to the commutatorsegment 165 in the other set 164, the general relative arrangement being accordingly such that the two styluses which are in direct diametric plane across the stylus-plate 16 and are thus at opposite sides thereof will be both connected to segments 165, comprised in the same set or series, so that when one of said styluses is in contact with the foil-paper the opposite stylus will be out of contact; but-the respective pairs of styluses which are adjoining or which follow one after the other and which are simultaneously in contact with the foil-paper will be in connection, respectively, with the segments 165 of the different sets 163 and 164. The separate sets of segments 173 and 174 of the selectingcommutator, which sets are respectively in connection, by

means of the brushes 170 and 171 and the wires 1.68 and 169; with the brushes 166 and 167 of the respective stylus commutator-segment sets 163 and 164, are five in number, as indicated in Fig. 6.

I will now proceed to describe the recording or receiving machine, which is arranged at the other end of the line and in connection with the transmitting-machine.

The recording-machine embodies the same general framework and structure as the transmitting-machine, has the same arrangement of alternating-current generator or motor, the same connections between its selectingcommutator and the commutator to which the recording styluses are connected, the same arrangement of unison-magnet relay,the same arrangement of unison-magnet in connection therewith, the same arrangement of automatic electrically-actuated stop mechanism, and the same general arrangement of powertransmission to effect the revolution of the main stylus-carrying shaft. I have therefore not duplicated the illustratiouof these general structural features which are common to both the transmitting and recording machines, nor will it be necessary to duplicate the specific description of said general structure which is common to both, the illustration and description of the recording-machines being confined to the stylus mechanism, the carbon-ribbon and recording-paper feed mechanism, and the structural features in which said machines differ in their adaptation to the respective offices which they perform in the general and complete operation of my improved facsimile telegraph apparatus. Corresponding parts which are in the main structurally indentical are designated by the same numerals of reference in the illustration of both the transmitting and the recording machines.

The recording-paper feed mechanism of the recording or receiving machine comprises brackets 181, projecting from the general framework 12 of the machine, preferably at the front and top portion, which brackets are provided with slots 182, in which are set the ends or gudgeons 183 of ashaft 184, carrying a web or roll of paper 185. The feed end of said paper-web is passed upwardly and over a transversely-extending idler-roller 186, which preferably has bearings in the brackets 181, and from thence it passes through a slot 187 in the framework 12, just beneath a top plate 188, comprised in the machineframework. It then passes beneath said plate 188 and is frictionally held or retained in contact with the under side of the plate by means of an upwardly-projecting elastic strip 189, preferably formed of rubber, which is secured or clamped by a cross-piece 190, held by screws 191, entering a vertically-adjustable cross-bar 192. Said cross-bar 192 is carried upon a threaded stem or rod 193, projecting upwardly through the plate 188 and carrying a thumb-piece or head 194 at its top end, by the adjustment of which threaded rod the cross-bar 192 maybe regulated in position vertically to govern the pressure of the top edge of the elastic strip 189 upon the paper 185. The threaded rod 193 is secured in adjusted position by means of a jam-nut 195, working upon said rod and bearing against the top of the plate 188. From its frictional retainer 189 the paper passes within the machine and under a table or platen 196, comprised in and carried by a vertically-adjustable framework 197, which is carried by the framework 12 of the machine and projects at the top of the latter, said table or platen 196 being at the lower end or bottom of the frame 197 and extending transversely across the same. At either end of the platen 190 is arranged a transverse roller or idler 19S and 199, respectively, with relation to which the paper bears and is guided, (the carbon ribbon intervenes between said rollers and the paper 185, as will be hereinafter described,) which rollers have their bearings in the ribbon-carrying frame 197. In rearof theroller199 is arranged a similar roller or idler 200, having bearings in the frame 107, beneath which roller the paper 185 passes, and from thence it is carried upwardly and rearwardly between two main feed-rollers 201 and 202, respectively, arranged one above the other and preferably having an elastic frictional surface, as at 203, for the purpose of better retaining the paper in proper position and insuring the uniform and positive feed of the same. These main feed-rollers 201 and 202 are carried by and have bearings in asupplementary frame 20%, carried upon the top of the machine. The bottom roller 202 maintains a non-adjustable position, while the top roller 201 has an elongated or vertically-sliding bearing at 205, guided in the sides of the frame 204 and connected with a coiled spring 206, which is mounted within said frame and is in turn connected with a set or thumb screw 207, operating in said frame, by the adjustment of which setscrew the tension of the spring 206 may be regulated and the position of the roller 201 with relation to the bottom roller 202 so governed that it will have an effective flexible or yielding movement with respect to the feed of the paper. A system of rollers is provided within the supplementary frame 197 for the purpose of carrying an endless ribbon of carbon or other suitable material adapted for marking the paper 185 when the carbon and paper are pressed into contact between the platen 196 and the recording stylus. While I have herein shown an endless-ribbon arrangement, I may of course employ any other suitable or adapted means or mechanism whereby the paper 185 may be marked through the action of the stylus. The mechanism herein illustrated comprises an idler or roller 208, arranged immediately above the roller 10S, and at the top of the frame 107 are a pair of idler-rollers 200 and 210, respectively, arranged one in rear of the other.

in rear of the rollers 208 and 198 is an idler-roller 211. These rollers 208, 200, 210, and 211 extend transversely in the frame 197 and have their hearings in the side portions thereof. At the rear lower portion of the frame 107, above the rollers 199 and 200, are mounted two friction-rollers 212 and 213, respectively, arranged one above the other, these rollers preferably having an elastic contact-surface, as at 214:, formed of rubber or other suitable material. The endless carbon ribbon or belt 215 engages and is guided in its continuous travel by the set of rollers, the ribbon being mounted so that it passes downwardly from the front top roller 209 at the rear of the front lower roller 208, forwardly between the latter and the roller 198, in front of said roller 1%, thence rearwardly across the platen at the under side thereof and between the same and the paper 185, thence upwardly in rear of the roller 199 and between the same and the guideroller 200, thence at the rear of the frictionroller 213 and between the top of the same and the upper friction-roller 212, thence in front of the latter and upwardly at the rear of and over the rear top roller 210, thence downwardly to the rear of and under the intermediate bottom roller 211, and from thence upwardly to the rear of and over the front top roller 209. It will be understood that the carbon ribbon is clamped between the frictionrollers 212 and 213 with suificient pressure to enable a proper slack requisite for the easy running of the ribbon, while at the same time it is retained in taut position at the portion traversing the platen and is accurately fed by action of said feed-rollers 212 and 213. The relative arrangement and gearing of the feedrollers 212 and 213 for the carbon ribbon and the feed-rollers 201 and 202 for the paper is such that the revolution of said rollers will carry both the ribbon and paper in the same directionof travel and in a corresponding uniform movement, this being effected by providing a gear 216 upon the shaft of the under ribbon-feed roller 213, which meshes with a gear 217 upon the shaft of the under paperfeed roller 202. The shaft of said roller 202 carries the bevel-gear, (shown at 28), which meshes with the bevel-pinion (shown at 30) upon the upper section (shown at 52) of the divided shaft with the pawl-and-ratchet coupling, which transmits rotary motion from the main stylus-operatingshaft 44 to operate the paper and ribbon feed mechanism.

To enable the operation of the paper and ribbon feed mechanism by hand and independent of its normal operation by connec tion with the main shaft 4a in a manner similar to that provided for the transmitting patravel of the same when desired independent of any operation of the recording-styluses,

the shaft of the under ribbon-feed roller 213 is extended at one end, as. at 218, and provided with an operating-head or thumb-piece 219, by which it maybe conveniently turned. The gear 216 is carried upon said shaft extension 218, so that by turning the latter by hand both the under ribbon-feed roller 213 and the under paper-feed roller 202 are operated in a movement entirely independent of the power operation of the connectionshaft 40, this independent movement being permitted by the coupling device between the sections of said latter shaft.

It will be understood that the ribbon-feed rollers have their hearings in the side portions of the frame 197, and for the purpose of permitting a suitable flexible or yielding movement of the upper ribbon-feed roller 212 its shaft has elongated hearings in upwardlyextending slots 220 in the sides of the frame 197, and pivotally connected to the ends of the shaft of said roller 212, as at 221, are levers 222, fulcrumed, as at 223, upon the side portions of the frame 197 and connected at their free ends by coiled springs 224, extending upwardly to and connected with adjusting or thumb screws 225, operating in the framework 197. By adjustment of said thumbscrews the pressure of the roller 212 with relation to the roller 213 can be regulated and will be governed bythe tension of the springs 224.

The whole ribbon-feed-mechanism frame 197, with the table or platen 196, which it carries, is vertically adjustable with relation to the main frame 12 of the machine and with relation to the recording-Styluses, whereby it may be moved to or from said recording-styluses to govern or regulate the pressure of the same with respect to the paperand ribbon and platen. I have herein illustrated one preferred manner of adjusting the frame 197 vertically. In this construction the lower portion of said frame is received within a corresponding slot or opening 226 in the top plate 188 of the machine-frame 12, and the sides of said frame 197 are provided near their base with laterally-projecting plates or flanges 227, which rest upon the top plate 188 and serve to mount and sustain the frame 197 in position. From these plates or flanges 227 extend securing-screws 228, which enter the top plate 188, and at opposite sides of said securing-screws, on a plane extending in the direction of travel of the paper 185, are

provided adjusting or set screws 229 229,whichand in this adjustment of the frame 197 the platen 196, carried thereby, will of course be correspondingly adjusted so that its position with respect to the projection of the record ing-styluses can be set or adjusted as desired.

The main shaft 44 of the recording or receiving machine corresponds to the same shaft in the transmitting-machine and embodies the same general structural features, such as the worm 155 and the cam-disk 157. It carries at its top end the stylus-plate 16, which is similar to the stylus-plate on the transmitting-machine except that in the case of the recording-stylus mechanistn said plate is not adjustable with relation to the shaft 44, but is maintained in fixed position thereon, its connection with the shaft being preferably formed by means of a collar 230, secured to the shaft 44 and having a laterally-project ing circumferential flange 231, upon which the stylus-plate 16 rests and to which it is secured. In the recording-stylus mechanism the styluses proper project upwardly and through the plate 16 (this being the construction and arrangement which I prefer) in lieu of projecting downwardly from and beneath said plate, as in the case of the transmittingstylus mechanism. The recording-Styluses correspond identically to the transmittingstyluses in number and in their relative arrangement in a circular series, and they are mutually connected electrically to their corresponding transmitting-Styluses in a manner which will be hereinafter described. Each recording-stylus comprises a frame 232, carrying a magnet 233, said fratne being suitably secnred to the under side of the styluscarrying plate 16. 1 preferably employ a frame embodying three arms, as at 234, 235, and 236, which are connected at their inner end by a cross-piece 237. The intermediate arm 236 carries the magnet 233, and upon the outer arms 234 and 235 are supplementary coils 238 238, the magnet and its coils being connected in series by wires, as shown at 239 and 240 in Figs. 11 and 13. By this construction I am enabled so to divide the magnet-coils that they are conveniently distributed in posit-ion and arrangement in lieu of having one larger coil. The armature 241 spans the space between the outer framearms 234 and 235 at the side opposite from the cross-piece 237 and may be connected at its ends, as at 242,to said outer arms, leaving its central portion free to operate flexibly as it is attracted by the magnet 233 or slightly Withdraws from the same by reason of its inherent spring quality. The armature preferably consists of a magnetic diaphragm or strip of thin iron or metal 243, spanning the space between the carrying-arms of the frame and possessing a high degree of flexibility, said thin strip carrying a series of small metallic or iron blocks or pieces 244, arranged on one of its faces in such a manner that the magnetic capacity of the artnature is increased without reducing or affecting its flexibility. The blocks or pieces 244 may be arranged on either face or on both faces of the strip 243, and instead of asories only one IIO 

